By: Zauhra

Hydrating masks

Although I have extremely oily skin, I still take the time to make sure my skin is always hydrated to avoid any irritation that could lead to breakouts, wrinkles or dry skin. Whenever I feel like my skin is tight and less plump, I use one of these masks.

1. Origins - Drink-up Intensive Overnight Mask: This is a pretty rich, heavy duty mask with a thick consistency. It contains avocado and apricot kernel oil to moisturize the skin and Japanese seaweed to hydrate and protect the skin from the early signs of aging. One disadvantage is that it gives the best results when left overnight, which is a bit of messy struggle. Most of the time I cleanse my skin a few hours before going to bed to apply the mask, then wash it off before going to sleep – it works amazingly. However I do find that the days I wake up with it still on my face, the results are extra amazing. My skin feels silky smooth and extremely plump.

2. The Body Shop - Aloe Soothing Rescue Cream Mask: Although it doesn't quite meet the standards that Origins has set, it's still very effective at moisturizing and hydrating. Aloe vera is great for hydrating, healing, and calming the skin. After using this product for the first time I was amazed to see that my dry patches had vanished. I have to admit, my favorite thing about this product is the price, it's practically half the price of the Origins Drink-up mask so I don't have to ration it or feel guilty when using it frequently.

Exfoliating masks

I try to exfoliate once a week for a deeper clean after a whole week of wearing make-up. I find that this step is crucial for people with acne scars and aging skin as it renews the skin, giving a brighter, more even complexion and texture. The most effective masks, for me at least, are ones without beads, they're either too harsh or shaped like tiny balls making them useless at exfoliating.

1. REN - Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask: This mask contains glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Compared to all the other AHAs, it has the smallest molecules, allowing it to deeply penetrate the skin for exfoliation. I also love that it has omega 3 and 7, which soothes and repairs the skin so it isn't irritated after use.

2. Banish - Pumpkin Enzyme Mask: For days when my skin needs a more gentle exfoliator, this mask is my go to. It's completely organic and contains natural ingredients that gently exfoliate and nourish my skin. This one also contains glycolic acid, along with vitamin C and A to promote healthy, brighter skin.

Acne clearing masks

This was the hardest category to do as I have tried many masks to try and help improve my acne so it was difficult to narrow it down to just two choices but these were the ones that stood out the most.

1. The Body Shop – Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask: As this mask isn't very concentrated, I am able to use it more than once a week (depending on the condition of my skin) without being irritated by it; this is great as it can be used as an on-going treatment to clear a breakout. It contains tea tree oil which is an antiseptic, helping to kill bacteria on the skin to prevent acne.

2. Clinique - Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil-Control Mask: This mask is perfect for oily skin. I really feel as though it deep cleans to unclog my pores and remove dirt and excess oil. I only leave it on for up to ten minutes as the formula is pretty concentrated and my skin can start to feel tight.